Windies great and World Cup-winning skipper Clive Llyod believes the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-finalists can lift the coveted title. Given to the current standings, Australia, New Zealand, India and hosts England have maintained first four spots at the twelfth edition of the World Cup.

However, a shocking defeat by 20 runs at the hands of Sri Lanka at Headingley in Leeds on Friday night has put hosts in some trouble as they’ve to win their two games in their remainder of the three league stage fixtures.

Llyod feels all top four teams could lift the World Cup title:

A view of coveted World Cup trophy: Getty Images)

Concurrently, Aaron Finch-led reigning champions Australia are sitting on the top of perch by claiming 10 points in six matches. They’ve lost a solitary battle against India. On the other hand, Kane Williamson’s New Zealand is standing second on the list by winning four matches. However, their fixture against India ended up on a no-result, but both the teams were awarded a point each. India has occupied fourth by winning three matches in four games.

Meanwhile, deemed as favourite hosts, Three Lions have won four matches in six matches. They’ve lost two games to bag eight points.

The Windies stalwart reiterated that it is not easy to pick a single winner of the mega ICC event. To make it further easier, Llyod stated the semi-finalists could lift the title given to their strength and combination for going deeper into the tournament.

“As it currently stands, it is hard to pick an overall winner as we move past the halfway stage of this fascinating tournament. Any of the top four could be holding the trophy aloft come July 14, I can’t wait to see how it unfolds,” Lloyd told to ICC.

Windies struggle at the ICC World Cup 2019:

Windies failed to put up a team show. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

While speaking about Windies’ chances, Llyod feels the Windies can make it to the top-four while going by a mathematical equation.

Clive Llyod urges Windies to end on a high:

Besides, Llyod feels it’s highly unlikely. But he cited that the Caribbean players give their best to finish the tournament on a good note.

“There is still a mathematical chance that the West Indies can make the semi-finals. And even though it is looking increasingly unlikely. It is absolutely vital that they try and finish the tournament on a high note,” he Llyod said.

Until now, the Windies have won a solitary game against Pakistan. Jason Holder-led side has lost three games which included a comprehensive loss against Bangladesh. They’re sitting at the seventh spot with three points.

The 74-year-old veteran Clive, who has himself represented the Caribbean team between 1966 and 1985. He has featured in 110 Tests and 87 ODIs for the Windies. Llyod has carved out a niche in the gentleman’s game.

Tahir Ibn Manzoor is a staffer at Sportzwiki.com, who follows cricket like food after listening to running commentary on a transistor radio when he was only eight, and penned down the scorecard when he turned 11. Twitter, Instagram: TahirIbnManzoor